Stella Maris Before the Tower was removed

On Sunday, May 11, 1923, in the presence of some 2,000 people, Bishop LeBlanc blessed the foundation and laid the cornerstone of a new church, dedicated to the Blessed Mother of God, under the title of Stella Maris.

The title was suggested by the site of the church overlooking the harbour (corner of Bayside Drive and Park Avenue). On Sunday, June 15, 1924, the first parish Mass was celebrated in the basement of the church. The exterior was completed by November 1924 but for some years the basement continued to be used while the unfinished upstairs was used as a hall.

The Corner Stone

Stella Maris as seen today

The Tower was removed on the early 1960's due to deterioration of the interior supports. The bell from the tower, named the Longshoremen, was placed inside the church and can be still heard every Sunday.